For the young goalkeeper, this move to Europe has been years in the making.

Silva first met BBK’s Sporting Director Christian Samuelson on an AX Showcase in Europe in 2013, and impressed the Swedish Sport chief in several scrimmages. He also had an impressive showing at the AX Combine in Chicago in December of 2015.

“AX helped facilitate the contract in all aspects with BBK,” Silva said. “Like anything, there are ups and downs, and they stayed by me to find a contract that I am very happy about.”

It’s also safe to say that the club Silva will be showcasing his talents for is just as pleased. BBK has been on a long search for a starting-caliber goaltender.

“He is a solid goalkeeper with good character and experience that we think will fit in well with us,” Samuelson said in a press release by BBK.

Despite being only 25, Silva adds plenty of experience between the posts for BBK, as he’s gone on tour with AX around the world, playing professionally in the Philippines and on trial with Sporting Kansas City in the MLS.

Silva will look to make an immediate impact on a team starving for a promotion from Sweden’s fourth tier. In its history, BBK has reached as high as the Superettan (Swedish Second Division) as recently as 2005.

When asked if he was pleased with the opportunity AX had helped present him, the Canuck answered swiftly.

“I do (think AX gave me a great opportunity). I have been sent to a club with a good coaching staff that trusts in me, and are very open to ideas, and are easy to talk to,” he said. “The league is strong and it looks like we will be competitive this upcoming season.”

BBK is a young team, but ownership has shown they are willing to explore all avenues to improve their squad. In this case, the close relationship with AX contributed a missing piece to the puzzle for Bodens BK.

While Silva’s experience playing in North America and the Philippines have gotten him to this point, there is a draw to playing in Europe that many young players dream of.

“Europe is known for football, and the atmosphere is like nowhere else,” Silva said. “The opportunity to be seen and to develop as a maturing goalkeeper are in abundance in Europe, and for that, it makes the experience complete for me.”

AX continues to help make that dream a reality for Silva and many others.